Sub menu

Adam Elmahrek over at Voice of OC has been covering the curious case of the sudden departure of Santa Ana City Attorney Joe Fletcher. His departure came after several postponements of his annual performance review. Over the past year, Fletcher has arguably been responsible for allowing the Santa Ana City Council to make several major errors related to open meeting laws, and city campaign finance and conflict of interest regulations. As a result, the City Council has had to reconsider some actions, and in other cases, simply ignore regulations rather than face possible lawsuits from developers. Elmahrek writes:

Santa Ana City Attorney Joe Fletcher is leaving the city’s employ on Dec. 31 with $142,000 in severance pay along with a pension, unused sick and vacation pay and, if he chooses, unemployment benefits.

That much is clear. But much remains unclear.

First, no one at City Hall will actually say whether Fletcher retired or was fired.

One of my favorite parts of Elmaherk’s story was his recollection of his conversation with Mayor Miguel Pulido and Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez about the inconsistencies of the statements regarding Fletcher’s departure.

When confronted with the contradiction, Pulido responded with a blank stare. Councilwoman Claudia Alvarez uttered more words, but did little to clear up the confusion.

“You have all the information in your hands,” Alvarez said. “We don’t give money away for free — so figure it out.”

It seems clear to me that the council members who got caught violation regulations regarding campaign finance and conflict rules sought to blame the Fletcher for their own errors in judgment. Members Tinajero and Martinez made this perfectly clear when their improper votes were revealed publicly. From their statements:

“We will direct our city staff to increase their vigilance in future matters like this one so as to avoid any possible conflicts of interest,” said Tinajero.

“City staff did not apprise the Council that a conflict existed,” said Martinez.

I have to say that I am not sad to see Fletcher leave. That said, he should not be held accountable for the failure of members of the city council to adhere to laws and regulations. His mistake was in not educating them about those laws and how to comply. It has appeared to me that his approach was to guide the council from the perspective of how to get around the law, rather than following it. The dance that the council is doing now regarding Fletcher’s departure is VERY INTERESTING, BUT STUPID.

fletcher is gone?! well this is a great day for santa ana he was nothing but a bully forget about what he did with the council the man was a serious lawsuit against the city just waiting to happen. now if paula coleman ends up as city attorney say a prayer for all of us.

Advantage Title Flunky

December 22, 2010 at 12:16 pm

You fellas are never happy are ya? Pedroza and I are like modern day superheros, putting on tights and capes then running through Santiago Park to dispel all those George Michael wannabes hiding in the bushes. Our latest accomplishment was aiding Sal Tinajero and Claudia Alvarez in getting rid of this pendejo gabacho. We are really in the cat bird seat now.

you know, dropping in a few slang words in Spanish doesn’t make you a Latino gang member

Maybe

December 22, 2010 at 8:04 pm

Maybe the city attorney quit cause he thought something was / is wrong.

Maybe the payout / payoff is coupled with silence.

Conflict

December 23, 2010 at 12:46 am

I thought the campaign managers were suppose to keep track of the finances and contributors. It is not up to the city clerks they take care of city business taking care of the elected officials campaign contributions is conflict of interest isn’t it? Oh well, Check out you tube Santa Ana police want to make a point. Gary tells the city attorney “if there is anyone competent sitting there. Also, I don’t think that he can get unemployment if he is retiring. But, if he is being forced out he may be able to win a hearing and collect uib.

jose garcia galvan

December 23, 2010 at 2:29 pm

Now what will happen with the PBID, one of the infamous a pathetic inventions of the city with the assistance of the City Attorney.
The PBID is a disaster no benefit for the paying property owners, but according to the board of such association is working?
I’m glad that some property owners and merchants are fighting this PBID, I wish them luck and support for their nobel cause.
Since to be they are the